MAXI 87
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.54 ft |
| LWL | 24.92 ft |
| Beam | 9.84 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 7,716 lb |
| Ballast | 3,306.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.2 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 361.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 207.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 352.2 sq ft |
About the MAXI 87
Designed by Pelle Petterson and built by Maxi Yachts / Börjesson Brothers between 1975–1982, the Maxi 87 is a classic coastal cruiser with a total production of 449 hulls. Its enduring popularity is reflected in the high volume of owner-reported upgrades, particularly in sails and electronics, indicating a strong aftermarket support network for this vintage vessel.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and a comfortable interior over extreme performance or heavy offshore passage-making. Its moderate displacement and beam make it ideal for those seeking a manageable, family-friendly sailboat for local waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 7716.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.0, the Maxi 87 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages. Its fin keel and moderate D/L ratio of 222.59 suggest it is not optimized for heavy weather offshore stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the same era include the Cal 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar dimensions and coastal cruising roles. These vessels offer similar masthead sloop configurations and are often compared based on their balance of comfort and ease of single-handed sailing.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
| 60° | 3.3 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 75° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| 120° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| 135° | 2.8 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.4 |
| Beat VMG | 1.9 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.0 | 2.9 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 28.54ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the MAXI 87, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MAXI 87? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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